South Beach State Park near Newport offers beachgoers and recreational visitors plenty of activities on and near the beach. Spread out on the sand to sunbathe without fighting the crowds. Enjoy the sound of the surf, with occasional barking and braying from sea lions.
Visit the 500-acre (200-hectare) park anytime it’s open year-round. Follow the paved jetty trail, part of the state’s 382-mile (615-kilometer) Coast Trail, an ideal place to walk, jog or bike. Bring your own bike or rent one from the park’s Hospitality Center in summer. Make sure riders under 16 years old wear helmets according to legal requirements. Stay overnight in the fully serviced RV area behind sand dunes that protect camping locations from ocean winds. Alternatively, rent a yurt and wake up refreshed for a beach day. Some camping areas are accessible to campers with disabilities.
View all forms of marine life found off the beach at the Oregon Coast Aquarium located on Yaquina Bay. Dive in the aquarium, take part in a tour or have an animal encounter, which may include being kissed by a sea lion or a seal. Also on Yaquina Bay is the Hatfield Marine Science Center that offers guided tours of the research facility, suitable for all ages. The touch tank is popular among visitors. It’s open most days and has free admission, although donations are gratefully accepted.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse dominates the shores at the mouth of the Yaquina River and, although now decommissioned, it still operates its light through a volunteer group. It’s believed to be the oldest building in Newport, having been built in 1871, shortly after Newport’s founding. Tour the lighthouse and museum that is open most days with free admission. Again, donations are appreciated.
Come to South Beach State Park to discover the rugged attraction of Oregon’s coast. The park’s location near the Yaquina Bay Bridge in south Newport has free parking for the day. Plan some time at this oceanfront park as part of an enjoyable vacation on the Oregon coast.